Open Gate

The Gate’s Open. Come On In.

Our Open Gate on-farm learning days consist of farm/ranch days that are held on the land. Each day is hosted by an experienced Holistic Management practitioner and features numerous innovative and sustainable agricultural topics and practices.

This is a great opportunity to see from the ground up how producers are using Holistic Management to better manage risk, make better decisions and reap the benefits of sustainable, profitable farming and ranching. You’ll share ideas and experiences with other producers and presenters that are facing similar issues. Both management issues and production techniques may be addressed. Topics may include: holistic biological monitoring, drought mitigation,holistic grazing planning, sustainability assessments, succession planning, direct marketing, improving farm management — just to name a few.

Home Turf Advantage

Not only will you get valuable hands-on knowledge, you’ll get an opportunity to mingle with your neighbors and build lasting relationships with folks that share a passion for sustainable agriculture, local food, and the environment. In addition to experienced and beginning farmers and ranchers, you’ll get a chance to meet with representatives from local agencies, organizations, and businesses interested in supporting farms.

The Format

Attendees have the opportunity to identify common challenges and discuss creative solutions in a friendly atmosphere. With experienced facilitators and producers on hand, the goal of the day is to create a forum for sharing practices, ideas, advice, and solutions. When you leave at the end of the day, you’ll take away practical ideas you can use.

The Details

Agenda

While each day’s agenda may differ slightly, we usually begin around 10:00 with introductions and an orientation. We then kick off our educational presentations and small group activities so producers can learn from each other. We follow with lunch, an afternoon land tour, more small group work, and a sharing of lessons learned– wrapping up around 4:00pm.

Registration & Schedule

Farmers, ranchers, and land stewards with any length of agricultural experience are welcome to attend. Whether you are raising cattle, broccoli, or wheat, you’ll find helpful advice, tips, and techniques to build a profitable, sustainable operation. Registration is usually around $20.00 per person including lunch, and is non-refundable. Space is limited at each event, so you are encouraged to register in advance. You can find more information on each event below.

Expand Your Reach

Hosting an on-farm day is a great way to make a positive impact in your community. If you are interested in possibly hosting such an event or presenting a sustainable agriculture topic, please email Kathy Harris, our Director of Programs for more information, at kathyh(AT)holisticmanagement(DOT)org.

Our Open Gate On-Farm Learning Series offers organizations, agencies and businesses a great opportunity to network with farmers and ranchers interested in sustainable agricultural ideas, products and services. We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities to connect you with our community. Please email Stephanie von Ancken at stephv(AT)holisticmanagement(DOT)org for more information.